DEPUTY FINANCE MINISTER: ESG CHAMPIONS URGED TO COLLABORATE WITH GOVT TO ACHIEVE SDGS

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 24 (Bernama) - Industry captains, corporate leaders, entrepreneurs and civil society champions in the environmental, social and governance (ESG) are urged to collaborate with the government to achieve sustainable development goals (SDGs). 

Deputy finance minister I Datuk Mohd Shahar Abdullah said the government has also reiterated its commitment to prioritise ESG-focused development programmes in the 2023 Pre-Budget Statement. 

He said these priorities are key enablers for Malaysia to transition from the current recovery phase to longer-term reforms.

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“Budget 2023 will feature a sharper focus on holistic development and well-being facilitated by improved income opportunities for all. 

“This is important to achieving a more inclusive and sustainable development for Keluarga Malaysia,” at the Malaysia SDG and ESG impact awards here today.

He said the government has introduced various strategies and measures through Budget 2022 to further accelerate ESG efforts over the long run

Mohd Shahar said among the strategies included an allocation of RM20 million to the MySDG Foundation, a body that would collaborate with the United Nation in setting up a trust fund for the achievement of SDG goals in Malaysia. 

He said this fund would be a multi-donor funding platform with seed funding from the government to support the success of the SDGs in an integrated, systematic and sustainable manner.

“Other than that, the strategy includes empowering small and medium enterprises (SMEs) through targeted financing measures. 

“By working with Bank Negara Malaysia and financial institutions, SMEs can embrace sustainability practices and with green financing, SMEs can already start moving towards low-carbon activities,” he said. 

-- BERNAMA